New York, LA, and Toronto are some of the top tourist spots in North America. They are major cities known for their sights and attractions, and there is truly something for everyone to do and enjoy.
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While you’re able to get away with traveling to these cities on a budget, you’ll really be able to enjoy yourself if you spend a bit extra on your experience. That includes booking a luxury hotel.
Nowadays, more people and businesses alike are focusing on sustainability. With climate change already causing issues across the globe, it’s more important than ever to practice eco-friendly habits, even when it comes to travel.
If you’re doing your part to live more sustainably and you want to support businesses that are reducing their carbon footprint, we’ve got you covered with five of the top sustainable luxury hotels in New York, LA, and Toronto.
Sustainable hotels: 1 Hotel Central Park
When booking a trip to New York City, nature and tranquility probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. However, when you stay at 1 Hotel Central Park, they can be. According to the company, the hotel is “an urban retreat inspired by nature”.
What makes 1 Hotel Central Park so great (aside from the fact that it’s steps away from Central Park) is that it was designed using reclaimed materials. Some of its most notable eco-friendly perks include:
- Sustainable gatherings
- LEED-certification
- Farm-to-table dining
- Carbon neutral practices
If you’re trying to live a sustainable lifestyle, staying in a place like this can make it easier to keep up your eco-friendly habits while you’re away from home, which can boost your mental health while you’re traveling.
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery; Images via 1 Hotel
Pendry Manhattan West
If you’re a lover of the laid-back style and energy that comes from the West coast of the country but find yourself visiting New York, Pendry Manhattan West is the place to be in New York. It’s an inner-city luxury playground for those looking to relax, unwind, and focus on wellness in the city.
The hotel utilizes natural light as much as possible, especially in their event centers, allowing for less energy usage. Its restaurants also focus on different farm-to-table and organic concepts, which not only help the environment but provide ample educational opportunities for guests wanting to learn more about the importance of sustainability.
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery; Images via Pendry
Terranea
If you find yourself in the California sun, one of the most luxurious and eco-friendly places to stay is Terranea.
The property rests on 102 acres of coastline views, providing a calm and tranquil experience you can’t find at many other hotels across the country. During your stay, you’ll enjoy a variety of unique amenities with the backdrop of breathtaking views, including:
- Golf
- A luxury spa
- Fine dining experiences
- Salon offerings
- Fitness and wellness
From a sustainability standpoint, Terranea focuses heavily on protecting coastal resources. They are committed to integrating eco-friendly practices into everything they do to preserve the land around them. Today, the actual facility only occupies one-quarter of its acreage, allowing guests to explore the natural untouched wildlife surrounding them.
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery
Sustainable hotels: The Westin Bonaventure
The Westin Bonaventure has served as an elegant hotel in the heart of LA for years, housing celebrities, political figures, and anyone seeking a bit of luxury during their California stay. With a rich architectural history, vibrant dining, and LA’s largest ballroom, you’ll feel like royalty during your stay.
The hotel is also strongly committed to sustainability, utilizing recycling programs, energy conservation, and water conservation systems. It is LA’s first hotel to reach the environmental standards set by Green Seal. They also rely on solar power for energy-efficient lighting – something that is shaping the future of California businesses and is likely to impact both residential and commercial construction across the country in the future.
Click on image to enlarge and view gallery; Images via Westin
Shangri-La Toronto
If you’re heading across the border to Toronto and you want a relaxing, luxurious experience, it’s hard to beat the Shangri-La.
It’s conveniently located to everything you could want to experience in the heart of the city and provides everything from sophisticated dining to tranquil spa experiences. Whether you’re in Toronto for work or play, you’ll find comfort here.
You can also feel good about your stay as the hotel continues to implement more sustainability practices, including sustainable culinary initiatives and the utilization of greener materials throughout the building.
There’s no reason why sustainability and luxury can’t go hand-in-hand. If you’re traveling to one of the continent’s most notable cities, consider one of these top-tier hotels, and you’ll find peace of mind knowing you’re doing something good for yourself and the planet.
Click on image to enlarge and view galley; Images via Shangri-La
